Free-standing panel assembly

ABSTRACT

A free-standing panel assembly includes adjacent panels hinged together by an easily installed hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism is removably attachable to respective fasteners formed adjacent edges of each of the panels. The assembly may also include a stay mechanism that serves to fix a relative angle between adjacent panels.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/434,667, filed Dec. 20, 2002, the entirecontent of which is herein incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] (NOT APPLICABLE)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a free-standing panel systemthat permits numerous activities on its surfaces. Multiple panels arehinged to one another via an easy-to-assemble hinge system, and one ormore stays maintain an angular relationship of the panels relative toeach other.

[0004] Hinged panels are particularly suitable for constructingtemporary play structures, display structures and the like. Suchassemblies, however, are typically unable to withstand any level ofrough play or use without collapsing or otherwise failing. Constructionsattempting to solve this problem are typically difficult to assemble andas a consequence of the more complicated construction, are also moreexpensive.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,589 to Wass discloses a relativelycomplicated hinge structure utilizing a “figure 8” looped structure.This construction not only requires the figure 8 wrapping of a webbingmaterial and requires apertures in the panel, but also secures thematerial to a wooden trim via screws. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,249to Payn describing a foldable playhouse using simple hook and loopfasteners to secure adjacent panels. The panel connections are likely tofail upon movement of the structure or rough play or use.

[0006] Still further, existing systems using hinge mechanisms to connectadjacent panels are unable to accommodate varying thicknesses ofadjacent panels. Moreover, the failure of one or more hinge mechanismswith existing products can be catastrophic to the structure.Additionally, existing systems utilizing multiple pivot points betweenadjacent panels undesirably permit the panels to shift and rotate aroundtheir respective pivot axes. As a result, an axial relationship of thepanels cannot be maintained. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,930 toLindberg et al.

[0007] Yet another problem with existing systems is that the systemstypically lack structure for fixing a relative angle between panels. Asa consequence, if adjacent panels are inadvertently folded, the hingesmay unpredictably fail or the structure may no longer be self-supportingand collapse. Moreover, as a result of relatively complicated securingstructure, the assembly cost is increased.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It would thus be desirable to construct a free-standing panelassembly that is inexpensive and easy to assemble. It would additionallybe desirable to include a hinge mechanism that can withstand rough playor use and a stay mechanism that can maintain a relative angle ofadjacent panels without affecting operation of the hinge mechanism. Itwould additionally be desirable to enable multiple panels to beconnected to a common pivot.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a free-standingpanel assembly includes adjacent panels each having a front face and arear face, where each of the front and rear faces have respective edgesections. A fastener is disposed on at least one of the front face andthe rear face in at least one of the edge sections of the adjacentpanels. A hinge mechanism is removably attachable to each of the panelfasteners, thereby connecting the adjacent panels. At least one of thefront face and rear face of the adjacent panels may include a functionalor decorative material, such as chalkboard, white marker board, felt,cork, hook or loop material, a magnetic surface, electronic media,pegboard, and a hanging medium.

[0010] The hinge mechanism and fasteners are preferably configured topermit the adjacent panels to pivot through substantially 360° relativeto each other while connected. Additionally, the hinge mechanism andfasteners are preferably configured to maintain an axial relationship ofthe adjacent panels

[0011] In one arrangement, the fasteners are disposed on at least thefront face of one of the adjacent panels and the rear face of another ofthe adjacent panels such that the hinge mechanism attaches one end tothe one panel fastener, passes between the adjacent panels, and attachesan opposite end to the other panel fastener. In this context, thefasteners may comprise one of a hook material or a loop material of ahook and loop fastening assembly, and the hinge mechanism may comprise astrip of material with the other of the hook material or the loopmaterial disposed at the ends thereof. In this regard, the other of thehook material or the loop material disposed at the ends of the hingemechanism strip of material is preferably disposed on only one side ofthe strip material such that the hinge mechanism is twisted in order toattach the ends thereof to the respective panel fasteners of theadjacent panels. In an alternative arrangement, the fasteners aredisposed on both the front face and the rear face of both adjacentpanels. The hinge mechanism in this context comprises a first memberattaching one end thereof to the one panel front face fastener, passingthrough the adjacent panels, and attaching an opposite end thereof tothe other panel rear face fastener. A second member of the hingemechanism attaches one end thereof to the other panel front facefastener passing through the adjacent panels, and attaching an oppositeend thereof to the one panel rear face fastener.

[0012] The hook material or the loop material of the fasteners may beaffixed to the adjacent panels via an adhesive. The fasteners may bedisposed in all of the edge sections of the adjacent. In this context,respective edge section fasteners of the adjacent panels are preferablydifferently colored, textured or shaped. The hinge mechanism maycomprise one end attachable to one of the one panel fasteners and anopposite end attachable to an adjacent one of the other panel fasteners.The respective ends of the hinge mechanism in this arrangement may alsobe differently colored, textured or shaped corresponding to the edgesection fasteners of the adjacent panels.

[0013] A stay mechanism may be attachable between the adjacent panelsfor fixing a relative angle between the adjacent panels. The staymechanism preferably includes a semi-rigid material attachable to eachof the adjacent panels. The material is selected to resist withoutpreventing collapse of the hinged adjacent panels. Examples of suitablematerials include polyurethane; polycarbonate or nylon. The semi-rigidmaterial may include a tube with an elastic cord therein and connectorsfixed to opposite ends of the elastic cord external to the tube. Theconnectors are releasably attachable to the adjacent panels. For thispurpose, each of the adjacent panels may include a slot shaped toreceive the elastic cord such that when connected to the adjacentpanels, at least a portion of the connector and the tube are disposed onopposite sides of the panel. Preferably, the connectors may include atleast one spherical member fixed to each end of the elastic cord, andthe slots in each of the panels terminate at a hole, with the sphericalmembers positively engaging each of the holes, respectively, when theelastic cord is inserted into the slots. 21. The stay mechanism may beattachable to a single panel for self-storage

[0014] The assembly may also include more than two adjacent panelspivotable about a common hinge assembly. Additionally, each of theadjacent panels may comprise a four-sided shape.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a free-standingpanel assembly includes adjacent panels each having a front face and arear face, with each of the front and rear faces having respective edgesections. The assembly additionally includes structure for effecting ahinge between the adjacent panels, and structure for fixing a relativeangle between the adjacent panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other aspects and advantages of the present inventionwill be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings,in which:

[0017]FIG. 1 is an exemplary configuration of the free-standing panelassembly of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is an alternative exemplary configuration;

[0019]FIG. 3 illustrates the hinge mechanism of the free-standing panelassembly;

[0020]FIG. 4 illustrates the stay mechanism of the free-standing panelassembly;

[0021]FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B show multiple adjacent panels with a commonpivot;

[0022]FIG. 7 illustrates a self-storing feature of the invention; and

[0023]FIGS. 8A and 8B show configurations of the stay mechanismconnectors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate exemplary configurations of thefree-standing panel assembly of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows aplay fort or playhouse assembly 10 including a doorway panel 12 and twowindow panels 14. The assembly in FIG. 2 shows a stage configurationincluding a window panel 14, a door panel 12 and two puppet panels 16.As described in more detail below, the respective panels 12, 14, 16 arepivotally attached to one another at ends thereof via one or more hingesystems 20, as shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, if desirable, a relativeangle between adjacent panels can be fixed by means of a stay mechanism40 as shown in FIG. 4. Although the panels are shown generally asrectangular structures, it will be appreciated that panels of any shapecould be used, including but not limited to triangular, pentagonal,hexagonal, etc.

[0025] The assembly generally includes at least two adjacent panels 12,14, 16, the faces of which may be covered with one or more of aplurality of surface finishes such as chalkboard, white marker board,felt, cork, hook or loop material, a magnetic surface, electronic media,pegboard, hanging medium and the like. The hinge system 20 secures edgesof adjacent panels in proximity to and substantially parallel with eachother.

[0026] The panels 12, 14, 16 may be cut out of any sheet material rigidenough to stand on its own. Suitable materials may include particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, plastic (acrylic,foamed polystyrene, corrugated high density polyethylene), cardboard,and the like. The edge profile may be flat (FIGS. 1 and 3) or shaped ina decorative fashion (FIGS. 2 and 4). Faces of the panels 12, 14, 16 maybe pierced for openings of various sizes and purposes and additionallymay have decorative or functional surfaces applied or themselves be madeof functional materials.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 3, each panel includes a front face 22 anda rear face 24, with each of the front and rear faces 22, 24 havingrespective edge sections, the number of which depending on the shape ofthe panel. The removable hinge system 20 between the adjacent panelspermits the panels to pivot through substantially 360° relative to eachother while connected.

[0028] A fastener 25 is disposed on the front face and/or the rear faceof each panel in at least one of the edge sections. In FIG. 3, fasteners25 are shown in a right side edge section of a first panel front face(left side panel in FIG. 3) and in a left side edge section of a secondpanel front face (right side panel in FIG. 3).

[0029] The hinge system 20 will be described using hook and loopfastening material although those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate other suitable applications, and the invention is notnecessarily meant to be limited to the described example. The hingesystem generally has a mating component attachable to the panelfasteners that when attached, form a hinging device between the twopanels. In addition to the hook and loop fastening material, examples ofother suitable mating components include screws or pegs in slots,magnets, and the like.

[0030] Using complementary hook and loop materials, the fastener 25 maycomprise a piece of loop material affixed to the panel via an adhesiveor the like. The loop material or fastener 25 may be affixed to thepanel as a continuous strip along an entire edge section, or it may beconfigured as dots or squares or the like, adjacent one or more edges ofthe panel. The amount of loop material encroaching toward a centerlineof the panel depends on a hinge strength requirement. Preferably,corresponding loop material on the reverse side of each panel issimilarly situated opposite the material applied on the front face. Withthe fasteners 25 affixed in all of the edge sections of the panels, aninfinite number of the panels may be attached via their adjacent edges,creating an unlimited series of mountable and demountable panels. Withthe alternatively-shaped panels, closed polygonal structures such as ageodesic dome may also be assembled.

[0031] A hinge mechanism 26 is removably attachable to each of theadjacent panel fasteners 25 to thereby connect the adjacent panels. In apreferred arrangement, the hinge mechanism 26 includes a patch of hookmaterial or other connecting material 27 engageable with the fasteners25 disposed at opposite ends of a ribbon or strip of material 28. Thelength and width of the ribbon 28 exposed between the hook surfaces 27is dependent upon panel thickness and desired strength of the hinge aswell as the amount of rotation desired between the panels.Alternatively, the hinge mechanism 26 may comprise a homogeneous stripof material such as the hook material for the hook and loop fastenerconnection.

[0032] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the fasteners 25 are disposedon at least the front face 22 of one of the adjacent panels and the rearface 24 of another of the adjacent panels such that the hinge mechanism26 attaches one end 27 to the one panel fastener 25, passes between theadjacent panels, and attaches an opposite end 27 to the other panelfastener 25. Additionally, it is further preferable that the hookmaterial disposed at the ends 27 of the hinge mechanism 26 strip ofmaterial 28 is disposed facing only one side of the strip of material 28such that the hinge mechanism 26 is twisted in order to attach the endsthereof 27 to the respective panel fasteners 25. FIG. 3 illustrates afurther preferred arrangement with two twisted hinge mechanism memberscrossing between the adjacent panels and securing to the opposite faceof the opposite panel.

[0033] Using the described structure for the hinge mechanism 26, thehinge system 20 can readily accommodate panels of different thicknesses,via different length hinge mechanisms 26, or by merely customizing thelength by the number of twists in the ribbon material 28. The hingesystem 20 may also accommodate panels of disparate materials.Additionally, with reference to FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, the hinge mechanism26 permits more than two panels to be hinged at the same intersection byalternating front to back fastener positions. In this context, it may bedesirable to incorporate double-sided hook or loop material at the ends27 of the hinge mechanism to facilitate folding of the assembly.

[0034] With fasteners 25 disposed in the edge sections of each of theadjacent panels, the fasteners 25 or loop material may be differentlycolored, textured or shaped. For example, in the color context, if theloop material along the left side edge section of one face is white, theloop material along the opposite side edge section of that face could beblack. The hook material end pieces 27 of the hinge mechanism 26 may becorrespondingly colored, textured or shaped to facilitate assembly.

[0035] In storing the panels, one end 27 of the hinge mechanism 26 maybe affixed to the fastener 25 on one face of the panel, while anopposite end 27 of the hinge mechanism 26 is wrapped around the edge ofthe same panel and affixed to the fastener 25 on the reverse side of thepanel. Typically, a panel may include fasteners 25 at least at ends ofeach edge section and possibly also along intermediate portions adjacentthe panel edge. In order to assemble a hinge between two panels, thepanels can be placed in proximity to each other with adjacent edgesabutting or nearly abutting. The hook end of one hinge mechanism 26 isdetached from its position on one panel, twisted and reattached to theloop material on the presenting face of the adjacent panel. Likewise,the hinge mechanism from the other panel is removed from its fastener25, twisted and secured to the fastener 25 on the presenting face of theadjacent panel.

[0036] The twisted configuration generally accomplishes three goals,where a single twist is necessary to the mating of opposite hook andloop surfaces, which, when mated, maintains adjacent panels in fixedproximity to each other. Additionally, twisting the material 28effectively shortens its length, decreasing the distance of panel edgesfrom each other, thus adjusting the proximity of adjacent panels. Theresulting hinge system permits the panels to hinge and fold face to facewith no further adjustment of the hinge and no change in the snugness orproximity of one panel to its adjacent panel. Still further, varying thenumber of twists in the hinge mechanism 26 permits hinging of panels ofdisparate materials and varying thicknesses, as discussed above.

[0037] While it is possible for the hinge mechanism 26 to remain on thesame face of adjacent panels (i.e., and not cross from back to front ofadjacent panels), when the panels are attempted to pivot to aface-to-face position, the increasing radius of the outside surfacesfolding away from each other may ultimately pull the outside hinge fromits position. As a contrary consideration, if the material or ribbon 28is of sufficient length to permit the panels to fold in this manner, theresulting assembly, when unfolded and freestanding, may be too unstablefor optimal use.

[0038] In order to prevent free-standing pairs of panels from beingfolded or flattened involuntarily, which condition may cause them tofall over, a stay mechanism 40 is provided to fix the relative anglebetween adjacent panels. With reference to FIG. 4, a stay mechanism 40is attachable between adjacent panels for fixing a relative angletherebetween. A slot 42 terminating at an opening or a hole 44 may beformed in a top surface of the adjacent panels. As shown in FIG. 4, theslot 42 and hole 44 appear as decorative expressions of the perimetershape. Generally, one or more slots and holes 42, 44 may be situated atone or both ends of each panel, occurring at intervals within thedecorative edge.

[0039] The stay mechanism 40 preferably includes a tubular member 46formed of a semi-rigid material, such as polyurethane, polycarbonate ornylon. The semi-rigid material is selected to resist without preventingcollapse of the hinged adjacent panels. By resisting but not preventingcollapse, the tube 46 acts as a spring or shock absorber signaling theuser not to further fold the panels. Were the stay mechanism tube 46 toorigid, leverage from the folding action could cause the hinges 20 tofail. With the hinge system 20 of the invention, in conjunction with thestay mechanism 40, any failure would be gradual and repairable withoutpermanent damage.

[0040] An elastic cord 48 is disposed within the tube 46, and a suitableconnector 50 is fixed to ends of the elastic cord 48. The connector 50may include two components, a first component 51 affixed to each end ofthe tube 46, and a second component 52 pulled into releasable engagementwith the first component 51 by the elastic cord 48. The slot 42 isgenerally shaped to receive the elastic cord 48 such that when connectedto the adjacent panels, the first component 51 and the second component52 are disposed on opposite sides of the panel. The second connectorcomponent 52 can be separated from the first 51 to expose the elasticcord 48 for insertion into the slot 42, whereby the connector components51, 52 sandwich the respective panels. As shown, the connectorcomponents 51, 52 are preferably spherical members that effect apositive engagement in the holes 44 when installed.

[0041] To install the stay mechanism 40, the connector components 51, 52at a given end are separated exposing the elastic cord 48. The elasticcord 48 thus exposed may be pushed into the slot 42 in the panel untilit fetches up at the hole. When the components 51, 52 are released, theelastic cord 48 sequentially pulls the components 51, 52 toward eachother. The components 51, 52 center themselves in the hole 44, and thestay mechanism 40 remains in position in the panel until it is activelyremoved by reversing the process. The tube 46 length is determinedaccording to the desired angle between the panels. The desired angle mayalso be adjusted by adding additional second components 52 to theelastic cord 48 (as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B) or by installing the staymechanism in different slots 42 in the adjacent panels.

[0042] An alternative exemplary construction of the stay mechanism 40 isshown in FIG. 7, using a semi-rigid bar 54 with pegs 56 disposed atopposite ends thereof. The pegs 56 are insertable in the slots 42. FIG.7 illustrates a self-storing arrangement where the pegs 56 are spacedcorresponding to a distance between slots 42 of a panel.

[0043] With the structure of the present invention, a freestanding panelassembly is inexpensive and easy to assemble. Additionally, thearrangement of the hinge mechanism enables multiple adjacent panels tofreely pivot relative to each other while maintaining a sturdyconnection. Still further, a stay mechanism may be secured between thepanels to fix a relative angle therebetween.

[0044] While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

1. A free-standing panel assembly comprising: at least two adjacentpanels each having a front face and a rear face, each of the front andrear faces having respective edge sections; a fastener disposed on atleast one of the front face and the rear face in at least one of theedge sections of the adjacent panels; and a hinge mechanism removablyattachable to each of the adjacent panel fasteners, the hinge mechanismthereby connecting the adjacent panels.
 2. A free-standing panelassembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the front faceand rear face of the adjacent panels comprises a functional ordecorative material.
 3. A free-standing panel assembly according toclaim 2, wherein the functional or decorative material comprises one ofchalkboard, white marker board, felt, cork, hook or loop material,magnetic surface, electronic media, pegboard, and a hanging medium.
 4. Afree-standing panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hingemechanism and fasteners are configured to permit the adjacent panels topivot through 360° relative to each other while connected.
 5. Afree-standing panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fastenersare disposed on at least the front face of one of the adjacent panelsand the rear face of another of the adjacent panels such that the hingemechanism attaches one end to the one panel fastener, passes between theadjacent panels, and attaches an opposite end to the other panelfastener.
 6. A free-standing panel assembly according to claim 5,wherein the fasteners comprise one of a hook material or a loop materialof a hook and loop fastening assembly, and wherein the hinge mechanismcomprises a strip of material with the other of the hook material or theloop material disposed at the ends thereof.
 7. A free-standing panelassembly according to claim 6, wherein the other of the hook material orthe loop material disposed at the ends of the hinge mechanism strip ofmaterial is disposed on only one side of the strip of material such thatthe hinge mechanism is twisted in order to attach the ends thereof tothe respective adjacent panel fasteners.
 8. A free-standing panelassembly according to claim 5, wherein the fasteners are disposed onboth the front face and the rear face of both the adjacent panels, andwherein the hinge mechanism comprises: a first member attaching one endthereof to the one anel front face fastener, passing between theadjacent panels, and attaching an opposite end thereof to the otherpanel rear face fasteners, and a second member attaching one end thereofto the other panel front face fastener, passing between the adjacentpanels, and attaching an opposite end thereof to the one panel rear facefasteners.
 9. A free-standing panel assembly according to claim 1,wherein the fasteners comprise one of a hook material or a loop materialof a hook and loop fastening assembly, and wherein the hinge mechanismcomprises a strip of material with the other of the hook material or theloop material disposed at ends thereof.
 10. A free-standing panelassembly according to claim 9, wherein the hook material or the loopmaterial of the fasteners is affixed to the adjacent panels via anadhesive.
 11. A free-standing panel assembly according to claim 1,wherein fasteners are disposed in all the edge sections of the adjacentpanels.
 12. A free-standing panel assembly according to claim 11,wherein different edge section fasteners of the adjacent panels aredifferently colored, textured or shaped.
 13. A free-standing panelassembly according to claim 12, wherein the hinge mechanism comprisesone end attachable to one of the fasteners in one of the adjacent panelsand an opposite end attachable to an adjacent one of the fasteners inanother of the adjacent panels, the respective ends of the hingemechanism being differently colored, textured or shaped corresponding tothe edge section fasteners of the adjacent panels.
 14. A free-standingpanel assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a stay mechanismattachable between the adjacent panels, the stay mechanism fixing arelative angle between the adjacent panels.
 15. A free-standing panelassembly according to claim 14, wherein the stay mechanism comprises asemi-rigid material attachable to each of the adjacent panels.
 16. Afree-standing panel assembly according to claim 15, wherein thesemi-rigid material comprises a tube with an elastic cord therein andconnectors fixed to opposite ends of the elastic cord external to thetube, the connectors being releasably attachable to the adjacent panels.17. A free-standing panel assembly according to claim 16, wherein eachof the adjacent comprises a slot shaped to receive the elastic cord,such that when connected to the adjacent, at least a portion of theconnector and the tube are disposed on opposite sides of the panel. 18.A free-standing panel assembly according to claim 17, wherein theconnectors comprise at least one spherical member fixed to each end ofthe elastic cord, and wherein the slots in each of the panels terminateat a hole, the spherical members positively engaging each of the holes,respectively, when the elastic cord is inserted into the slots.
 19. Afree-standing panel assembly according to claim 15, wherein thesemi-rigid material comprises one of polyurethane, polycarbonate ornylon.
 20. A free-standing panel assembly according to claim 15, whereinthe semi-rigid material is selected to resist without preventingcollapse of the hinged adjacent panels.
 21. A free-standing panelassembly according to claim 14, wherein the stay mechanism is attachableto a single panel for self-storage
 22. A free-standing panel assemblyaccording to claim 1, comprising more than two adjacent panels pivotableabout a common hinge assembly.
 23. A free-standing panel assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the adjacent panels comprises afour-sided shape.
 24. A free-standing panel assembly according to claim1, wherein the hinge mechanism and fasteners are configured to maintainan axial relationship of the adjacent panels.
 25. A free-standing panelassembly comprising: at least two adjacent panels each having a frontface and a rear face, each of the front and rear faces having respectiveedge sections; means for effecting a hinge between the adjacent panels;and means for fixing a relative angle between the adjacent panels.
 26. Afree-standing panel assembly according to claim 25, wherein the meansfor effecting a hinge comprises a connector having a first end securedto the front face of one of the adjacent panels and a second end securedto the rear face of another of the adjacent panels.